Arena Birmingham cordoned off after scare over hoax package

A police cordon was placed around Arena Birmingham after a suspicious package was found in a 'deliberate hoax'.

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Arena Birmingham which was cordoned off after the 'hoax' package was found

Police sealed off areas around the venue, formerly the NIA, after a staff member found the package.

Officers were alerted at around 8am on Tuesday to the venue, off King Edwards Road, close to Brindleyplace.

West Midlands Police confirmed a cordon would remain in place as investigations continued at the scene during the day.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "The area was cordoned off but it has since been confirmed that the package was a deliberate hoax and the matter will be investigated accordingly."

Officials from Westside Business Improvement District, which help promote and support venues around Broad Street and Brindleyplace, said there has been traffic disruption due to the cordon.

They tweeted: "Thankfully West Midlands Police have confirmed the package found was a hoax. Thank you to all our swift emergency services for taking appropriate action. And thank you to our Westside Wardens who assisted the Police as necessary."